iPod shuffle Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many songs can iPod shuffle hold?
Up to 120 songs on the 512 MB model and up to 240 songs on the 1 GB model (based on 128 kbps AAC files at 4 minutes per song).

When the option to "Convert higher bit rate songs to 128 kbps AAC" is selected, are duplicate files added to the iTunes library?
No. The 128 kbps AAC versions of the files are not stored anywhere on the computer.

When songs are transferred to iPod shuffle, is artwork stripped from the files?
No. The exception is if you select the "Convert higher bit rate songs to 128 kbps AAC" option, the artwork will not be included in the converted 128 kbps AAC versions of the files.

Is it possible for iPod shuffle to play music when connected to a USB port even if it's not mounted or in disk mode?
No.

How can I tell if iPod shuffle is charging?
Eject iPod shuffle in iTunes, but leave it physically connected to the USB port. The front LED should be orange if it's charging (or green if it's fully charged). If it's not charging (such is the case if it's connected to a low-power USB port on a keyboard), you won't see a front LED.

How long does it take to charge iPod shuffle?
A new iPod shuffle battery is 80-percent charged in about two hours and fully charged in about four hours.

How do I check the battery status?
Press the battery status button on the back of iPod shuffle. The battery status light indicates the level of charge. If the battery status light is green, iPod shuffle has a good charge. If the light is amber, iPod shuffle is low on charge. If it's red, very little charge is left and you should recharge iPod shuffle soon. If no light is visible, the battery is out of power and you must recharge iPod shuffle to use it.

Can I take a friend's iPod shuffle and browse or play its content on my machine (like I can with other iPods)?
No, there is no manual mode that allows you to view or play the content from a friend's iPod shuffle on your computer. This also means that you cannot load music from multiple computers or iTunes libraries onto iPod shuffle like you can with other iPods.

Can I transfer data to iPod shuffle from multiple computers when in disk mode?
Yes. If you put iPod shuffle in disk mode, you can transfer data from multiple computers from the Finder (Mac) or Explorer (Windows). You can only load music from one computer, using iTunes.

Can I use iPod shuffle with both a Macintosh and a Windows computer?
Yes. When you place iPod shuffle in disk mode, you can use it to transfer data between multiple computers, running either operating system.

Can I use iTunes to view the songs on my iPod shuffle like I can with other iPods?
No. The iPod shuffle icon that displays in the iTunes Source list is actually a special playlist (like Party Shuffle).It lists which songs in the library are currently configured to be sent to iPod shuffle, but not what's currently on the unit. If you see a bullet by a song, it indicates that the song was not sent to iPod shuffle. See "Some songs in your iTunes library aren't copied to your iPod" for reasons why songs were not sent to iPod shuffle.

How do I make Autofill automatic—like how automatic syncing works on other iPods?
Autofill actually requires some action. You can manually click on Autofill each time you insert iPod shuffle, or you can use the "Keep this iPod in the source list" option to click Autofill any time and then connect iPod shuffle.

Can I manually add music or do I have to use the Autofill feature?
You can manually drag songs from your iTunes library or other playlist to the iPod shuffle icon.

How can I tell if iPod shuffle is connected when the "Keep this iPod in the source list" option is enabled?
You'll see an eject button next to iPod shuffle in the Source list when it's connected, as well as the "Used / Free space" indicator at bottom of the iTunes window.

Can I get Autofill for my other iPods?
This is a feature of iPod shuffle only.

Why does iPod shuffle sometimes display a generic icon in iTunes and in the Mac OS X Finder, and how do I fix it?
This is due to the FAT32 behavior on Mac OS X (FAT32 is the disk format used for iPod shuffle). Note that the iPod shuffle icon is stored on the machine with which it's being used. To correct a generic icon, sync iPod shuffle with iTunes 4.7.1.

Why does my iPod shuffle name display differently in the Mac OS X Finder and in iTunes.
iTunes keeps track of the iPod shuffle name separately. Mac OS X sees the iPod shuffle as a FAT32 volume and is limited by the FAT32 naming conventions. Always check the iPod shuffle name in iTunes to see if it displays correctly.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300657

iPod shuffle: How to find the serial number

This document is for iPod shuffle models. If you have other iPod models, check here for information.

The iPod shuffle serial number is located on the back of the device (the side with the Apple logo) along the bottom right side. This is where to find it:

The serial number for iPod shuffle (Second Generation) is physically located on the inside edge of the clip on the back of the iPod and requires the clip to be opened to view the serial number. This is where to find it:

Be aware that the serial number appears in small print. If you cannot read the number, you can find it using any of these methods:

• The barcode label that's affixed to the original iPod box has the serial number on it.
• In iTunes 7 or later, you can view and copy the serial number to the Clipboard.
• Your product invoice or receipt may list the iPod shuffle serial number.
• Use a magnifying glass to see the smaller print.

If you are not using iTunes 7, then connect iPod shuffle to your computer and open iPod Updater 2005-01-11 or later. It will display the iPod shuffle's serial number. Here you can also choose Edit > Copy to put the serial number on the Clipboard.

You may also be able to obtain the serial number by going to this website
www.apple.com/support/manuals/ipod/
and selecting "Upload the serial number of my last connected iPod."

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300618

Using MSCONFIG to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows XP

In Windows, some background processes can cause issues for other programs and processes. These conflicts can prevent applications such as iTunes and QuickTime Player from working correctly, opening, or even installing. You might be able to resolve these conflicts by disabling some items using the System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG) in Windows XP. This utility is not included with Windows 2000.

Important: Disabling third-party System Services and Startup Items can prevent some software or OEM hardware on your computer from working correctly. For example, this can affect the CD/DVD control buttons on portable computers or prevent wireless keyboards and mice from functioning. If you are already using the Selective Startup option in Windows (see step 4 below), you will need to keep track of which items you disable and re-enable so after performing this troubleshooting, you can get your computer back to the way it was. Selecting Normal Startup may enable items that you were not using, and could cause issues.

1. On the Start menu, click Run. A Run window (command prompt) appears.
2. Type msconfig in the Open field and click OK. The System Configuration Utility opens.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Select the "Selective Startup" option.
5. Deselect the "Load Startup Items" checkbox.

   

6. Click the Startup tab.
7. Select the "iTunesHelper" and "qttask" checkboxes in the list.

   

8. Click the Services tab.
9. Make sure that "Hide All Microsoft Services" is selected.
10. Click Disable All.

    

11. Click OK.
12. Click Restart.
13. After restarting (and logging in to Windows), a window appears confirming that "You have used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to the way Windows starts." Click OK. The System Configuration Utility appears. Do not click OK here as this will prompt you to restart again. First try to reproduce the issue you were having.

If following these steps resolves the issue, you may want to use the System Configuration Utility to turn on the third-party System Services and Startup Items one or a few at a time (restarting your computer after turning on the item or items) to identify which System Service or Startup Item is causing the conflict. You can turn all of them back on by selecting the Normal Startup option under the General tab of the System Configuration Utility window, but please note that this may cause the issue to recur.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302538

Updating the drivers on your Windows PC

To get the best out of your Windows-compatible PCs, you need to make sure that the drivers for all of the components in your PC are up to date. Having outdated drivers on your computer can cause strange behavior with iTunes, QuickTime, iPod, and other applications.

First, what is a driver?
A driver is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with a piece of hardware. Your PC consists of many hardware components, such as your hard disk, optical drive (CD or DVD drive), USB card and video card. All of these devices and more require drivers to function.

Doesn't Windows include drivers?
Yes, it definitely does. Windows includes drivers for many common devices. But it may not contain the latest drivers available for your hardware.

Doesn't Windows Automatic Update install the latest drivers?
Sometimes, but not always. This is why you may have to check the website of the maker of the individual components in your PC.

Doesn't the automatic updater from my computer's manufacturer install the latest drivers?
Again, sometimes it will, but sometimes it won't. If you have any questions about installing updated drivers on your computer, contact the manufacturer of your computer.

How do I find out where to get the latest drivers for a particular component in my PC?

Microsoft or your computer's manufacturer may have released updated software. Check to see if there are updates to Windows. Check your computer manufacturer's website for updates, particularly for updates to the CD or DVD drive, graphics card, sound card.

You may need to go to the company that made the component if an update isn't included in Windows or from the computer manufacturer. In this case, the first thing thing you need to do is find out what company made the component. You can get this information in Device Manager:

1. Right-click on My Computer and choose Manage.
2. Click Device Manager in the list on the left of the Computer Management window.
3. Click the plus sign next to the device type in the list on the right.
4. Right-click on the device and choose Properties.
5. Take note of the name of the device:

   

6. Also take note of the Device type and manufacturer.
   The next thing to do is download and install the latest driver for your device from the manufacturer's website.
7. Now go to the web page for the manufacturer. In our case, we are updating the drivers for an NVIDIA video card, so we would go to www.nvidia.com.
8. At the manufacturers website look for a link for "drivers", "downloads", or something similar. If you don't see such a link, look for a support link, click that link, and look for a drivers link on the support page.
9. If there is a list of devices for which drivers are available, choose your device from the list. If there is a search field for devices, enter the name of your device in that field to look for drivers.
10. Once you have found the correct driver for your particular device, download it.
11. Locate where the downloaded file went (by default it is on your desktop), and double-click it.
12. Proceed through the installer to install the driver.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300252

Windows PC does not start up when iPod is connected

If your Windows-compatible PC won't start up until you disconnect your iPod, the computer's BIOS¹ may be configured to start from a FireWire or USB drive.

If this is the case, you will see a black screen with a flashing white cursor at the top of the screen. Once you disconnect iPod, the computer starts up normally.

This can happen if:

• Your Windows PC is capable of starting up from FireWire or USB drives.
  and
  
• The BIOS of your Windows PC has been configured to look for an external startup disk before looking for an internal startup disk.

The simplest solution is to disconnect the iPod from its cable or dock.

If you want to know more about why this occurs and another option to resolve it, keep reading.

Windows PCs have something called "boot order" that is configurable in the computer's BIOS ("boot" is an alternate name for a computer's startup process). The computer scans connected disks, in the specified boot order, for a compatible operating system to start up from.

A few examples of possible boot orders are:

• Floppy disk, CD-ROM, primary hard disk
  
• CD-ROM, primary hard disk, external hard disk
  
• Primary hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, external hard disk

While iPod can be used as a hard disk in disk mode, it cannot be used as a startup disk.

What happens when a startup drive doesn't have an operating system?

What happens depends on the particular drive:

• When a PC checks a floppy disk and does not find a valid operating system, it typically prompts you to remove it before it can go to the next device in the boot order.
  
• When a PC checks a CD-ROM and does not find a valid operating system, it typically skips over it to the next device in the boot order without an error.
  
• When a PC checks an external disk for a compatible operating system, however, it typically does not say when none is found, nor does the PC automatically skip to the next disk in the boot order.

How can I start up without disconnecting my iPod?

If you do not start up your computer from an external hard disk, one solution is to change your BIOS settings so that the internal hard disk is before any external hard disks in the boot order. Note that changing the BIOS may not help the issue and you may still need to disconnect the iPod at startup.

Another solution may be to disable your computer's ability to start up from FireWire and USB drives. Information on how to modify the BIOS settings of your specific PC should be available from your computer's manufacturer. If your PC is custom-built, you will need to consult the documentation that came with your logic board or look online at the logic board manufacturer's website.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93953

iPod shuffle may not fit in all USB ports

This document is for the original iPod shuffle

The iPod shuffle (Second Generation) comes with a required dock and cable.

Because of iPod shuffle's width, you may not be able to connect it to certain USB ports on your computer. If that's the case, you can use the iPod shuffle Dock or a third-party USB extension cable to make the connection. These items are available at the Apple Store under iPod Accessories.

This issue could occur with any computer, display, or USB hub with recessed or closely spaced USB ports. This includes the following Apple products:

* eMacBlogger: Information On IPOD Articles and News - Create Post
* iMac G3
* the original iBook and iBook (FireWire)
* Apple Studio Display 17 (ADC)
* Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
* Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver)
* Certain Xserve configurations.

Note: If your Mac came with a USB Keyboard Extender cable, don't try to use it with iPod shuffle. This cable is keyed to only fit the keyboard that came with your computer.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300526

Who Else Wants To Know What All the Excitement is About Ipods and MP3s

4 Reasons Why People Love These Portable Music Devices in the 21st Century

During the course of the past couple of years, there's been a real demand, a real buyer’s craze for Ipods and MP3s. Music lovers from different parts of the world have been scrambling to find the latest when it comes to these types of portable music players.

There are a number reasons why there has been so much excitement about both the Ipod and the MP3. Indeed, there are four significant reasons why people around the world, why music lovers of all ages, have become so excited about Ipods and MP3s.

1. The most basic reason why so many music lovers are thrilled about Ipods and MP3s is based on the fact that these devices allow you the ability to carry with you your favorite music no matter where you are at any given point in time. With people being so mobile in this day and age, these devices provide a perfect way through which you can have music and entertainment no matter where you happen to be at any given point in time. For example, many people in many cities around the world are forced to make long commutes to and from work. Therefore, these devices allow such a person the ability to keep entertained and occupied as they travel back and forth from work.

2. The next reason why so many people have become so excited about the Ipod and the MP3 is the fact that the cost associated with these pieces of equipment has dropped significantly in recent times. Of course, when these music devices first entered the market place some time ago, they were actually rather pricey. However, as with so many high tech devices, over time the costs associated with these devices dropped. Indeed, by doing a bit of shopping around, you will be able to find these devices being sold for discounted prices. Therefore, by shopping around in the brick and mortar world and on the Internet and World Wide Web you will be able to find merchants that sell Ipods and MP3s at reduced prices.

3. Another reason that so many people have found themselves drawn to the Ipod and the MP3 is the fact that they are easy pieces of equipment to operate. While many people like to have high tech equipment, they shy away from these types of devices because, in some instances, they are difficult to operate. When it comes to Ipods and MP3s, there music players are really easy to operate and upkeep. It is very easy to upload music to these devices -- even a technical novice can readily stock his or her Ipod or MP3 with music of his or her choosing with ease.

4. Finally, one of the primary reasons why so many music lovers are singing the praises of the Ipod and the MP3 is the fact that they are so durable. Because these units are designed to be used on the go, you naturally will want to make sure that any portable device that you use is durable. Both of these devices are well designed and completely durable. Even if you end up accidentally dropping your device, you will find that it is very resilient.

In the final analysis, if you are interested in having a device for portable music, you will want to take a close look at either an Ipod or a MP3. Either one of these players are perfect choices for a person who likes to take his or her music wherever he or she happens to travel throughout the course of a given day. These devices absolutely are perfect for people on the go.

By following the tips and suggestions outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to owning a portable music device that will serve you well. Additionally, as suggested in this article, by shopping around you will be able to find a device that is priced within your budget. Finally, by selecting an Ipod or a MP3 player, you will have a music device that will be around for a long time -- or at least until you decide to upgrade.

http://www.ipodresourcecenter.com/Who_Else_Wants_To_Know_What_All_the_Excitement_is_.html